Tulsa 66ers fans watching NBA games this season are likely to see some familiar names on the court. Seven former 66ers players were named to opening day rosters recently. Two of those players will suit
up with the Oklahoma City Thunder as they tip-off the season tonight against the Chicago Bulls.
Byron Mullens and D.J. White were named to the Thunder roster. The Thunder are the NBA affiliate of the 66ers. Mullens averaged 15.1 points and 7.5 rebounds in 27 games last season for Tulsa, while White averaged 20.2 points and 11.1 rebounds in 10 games with the Sixers.
Five other former players will see action with other NBA teams. Brandon Bass will play for the Orlando Magic, Gary Forbes with the Denver Nuggets, Ersan Ilyasova with the Milwaukee Bucks, Shaun Livingston with the Charlotte Bobcats and Ramon Sessions with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
In total, 63 players with NBA D-League experience were named to opening day NBA rosters this season, equaling the previous high-mark of 63 set during the 2009-10 season. In four years the number of former D-League players on opening NBA rosters has nearly doubled from the 35 on the opening day of the 2006-07 season.
TULSA 66ERS TO HOLD PICK-A-SEAT/ DRAFT PARTY
As the 66ers continue to gear up for the 2010-11 NBA D-League season, the team has announced a special event to be held at the Tulsa Convention Center next week. The team will be hosting a pick-a-seat and draft party on Monday, November 1 from 6-8 p.m. inside the Convention Center. Fans will be able to personally select their seats for the upcoming season while monitoring the 66ers’ draft night activities.
The team’s office staff will be on hand providing prizes, drinks and refreshments. Members of the 66ers dance team will also be on hand to greet fans.
Tulsa holds the 13th, 20th, 45th, 52nd, 77th, 84th, 109th and 116th picks in the draft. Last season the 66ers selected Latavious Williams in the first round. Williams was then selected with the 48th pick in the NBA draft by the Miami Heat before being traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder on the same night.
The Sixers will open their season on Friday, November 19 at Bakersfield before making their home debut on Friday, November 26 against Iowa. Tickets for the upcoming season, including the popular turnpike package that includes 10 66ers tickets and one ticket to a Thunder home game, are available by calling 918-585-8444.